Chapter 5:
Marsh was offended and angry at how Josh behaved with him at the bar. He didn’t wait for Josh to return home and spent his time in his office. Somehow he was waiting for Josh to call him and apologize for his behavior but he didn’t know what Josh was up to.
He returned to the apartment two days later only to find it partially empty. And there was a note waiting for him on the table.
“I am leaving your apartment.” It was just one line and maybe it was anger, frustration, or finally realizing the fact the Josh had left him for good.
-----
Josh was sitting in his office when he heard a knock.
“Yes”. He called his manager to come inside.
“Sir I…” Josh lifted his head and looked at his manager to see him hesitating over something.
“What is it Peter? Everything okay?” he was concerned but Peter handed him an envelope and left the office.
Josh was frowning over his strange behavior but looked at the envelope he had given him. It was addressed for him but he didn’t remember anyone mentioning anything.
He opened the envelope and finally saw the invitation card sent for him. Marsh was getting engaged to Natasha in an intimate family gathering. And it had a note too written for him.
“I would be looking for you for old times’ sake.”
It wasn’t a note, but a dagger that Marsh had stabbed in his heart and he couldn’t even cry in pain. It was hallow, dark and hurting inside as he saw all black in front of his eyes.
And that was the last thing he remembered before he lost his consciousness.
-----
SIX MONTHS LATER
Josh was busy since morning as he had to arrange a lunch feast in none of his president halls. That means a lot of space to be arranged and then the food.
Normally he would make sure the things go naturally but this was actually referred to by someone close to him and to top it off, it was basically to honor a senior police officer as a gift of his services on his retirement.
He had a busy morning and lunch time preparing his signature dishes since they were given a specific menu instead of regular menu for his customers, and now all he had to do was make sure that his guests were enjoying everything he had prepared.
“Come on boss, they are fine. They are enjoying their food. Relax now. Go to your office. I will call you if needed.” Pete came to talk to him for the umpteenth time and finally this time Josh actually listened to him.
“Okay I am in my office, but you will let me know as soon as anything is required.” He instructed him once more and turned to go to his office. But his lips stretched into a grin when he heard Pete ordering the staff to bring him beagles and coffee.
Josh closed his eyes as his body screamed for some rest. He had just realized how tired he was. He thanked Pete in his heart for being so considerate to bring him food.
He was almost slumped down in his seat when he heard a knock followed by a grumpy Pete.
“What happened Pete? Everything okay? Something messed up with the officers?” He quickly stood and approached who clucked his tongue.
“Calm your nerves, Boss. They are enjoying the food a bit too much that they are requesting to meet the Chef. I told them you are busy and resting but they are insisting on your company.” Josh didn't know whether to hug Pete tightly or smack his head upside down.
“Pete, I appreciate your concern but if they are asking for me, I am supposed to attend them right. And besides, I am free after this. I promise I will leave for home and will not come here until lunch. Deal?” He tried to placate Pete who gave him a stinky eye but let him pass because an owner is an owner.
“Gentlemen. I hope you have enjoyed the evening. My manager told me you were asking for the chef?” Josh entered the hall and was instantly blushing when they all stood up to cheer him.
“That was one of the exotic foods we ever had. Hello I am Connan Hawk. I was recommended this restaurant by a good friend of mine and honestly I was scared but you have proved your worth.
I actually wanted to meet the Chef so that I could personally appreciate and compliment the food. The arrangement, food, taste, everything was epic and the soda actually complimented it perfectly.” He was speaking and Josh was getting red with every passing minute.
“I Uh… thank you so much for appreciating. I am Josh and this is my restaurant as you just know, and well, I am the chef.” Josh said hesitating in the beginning but then he regained his confidence level.
“Are you serious? You cooked it? I mean you prepared the whole menu?” Josh looked at Connan and burst out laughing. He was looking like an animated character with eyes wide as a saucer and mouth gaping.
“Yes, I am serious. I cooked all the dishes, and in fact the menu shared with you guys was my exclusive one for my special guests.
I am glad that you all loved the food and I hope to see you all again and again. You all are always welcome here for whatever the function you want to be arranged. And I really appreciate it.
My manager, Pete, will give you my card for any further bookings. And to complete the meal, the wine of the evening is on the house. Enjoy your time gentlemen. Have a nice time. See you.” Josh politely excused himself, unaware of the fact that one particular man had been stuck at his place since he had started talking.
—--
Connan was in his office trying to focus on a file he had to study but he failed for the third time since morning.
He was a high ranked police officer for God sake, well over 30 years old, and here he was crushing over a man who had occupied his mind since last week.
He wanted to go to the restaurant again but his work schedule was not letting him breathe even for a moment.
He was appointed as the top class sniper in his field, with his experience forte in crime cases. He was well reputed in his department as well as other departments too.
He was looked up to by his juniors and his seniors respected him too and here he was helplessly sighing like a thirteen year old who had just discovered their hormones.
“Fuck it”. Connan tried again but slumped the file shut as he finally made up his mind. He had just picked up his keys and wallet and was about to leave the office when his fellow officer Richard caught him at the door.
“Are you going somewhere, Bolt?” Richard asked him. His fellows had named him Bolt because of his accurate precision of his shot.
“Yes. I am going to have lunch”. Bolt tried to sound nonchalant but even he knew he was poorly covering it. And the knowing smirk on Richard’s face was the answer to it.
“Martin, please come over here. Austin you too”. Richard waved around chuckling and no matter how much Bolt wanted to smack him, he ended up chuckling too.
They entered the restaurant five minutes later and instantly Bolt caught the face he was dying to see.
Josh was standing in the middle of the restaurant talking to some guests and his laughter was like a rainsplash on his otherwise deserted heart. It was so long that he never felt the attraction towards anyone.
“Good day sir. How can I help you?” He saw the manager, what was his name again, coming towards him.
“Well, our friend here is a big fan of your food. So we are here to have lunch”. Richard spoke, patting Bolt on his shoulder before he followed Pete who gestured towards a table.
Bolt was constantly following Pete with his eyes and saw when Pete stopped at Josh, whispering into his ears. He was sure Pete was telling Josh about them and his suspicion turned true when Josh turned to face them and once again Bolt was enchanted with the smile he saw on Josh’s face.
—---
Josh was actively listening to one of his regular patrons when Pete leaned in to whisper in his ear. Usually Josh would wave him off but he turned towards him as he mentioned a group of officers in their uniforms.
He turned and saw the familiar faces from lunch the other day. He excused himself and went to greet them.
“Hello everyone. How many I serve you today”. He said in a pleasant mood.
“Hello. Well, we are here to eat whatever special you are cooking today. Right Bolt”. Martin said with a smirk. Bolt, who was not so subtly checking out Josh, startled at the mention of his name. He glared at Martin before turning to Josh.
“Yes, I uh… Please bring us whatever you have made today”. Bolt said composing himself. He had not missed the little smile placed on Josh’s lips.
“And what gives you that I cooked something today? It might be my day off from the kitchen”. Josh said in a serious tone. But he didn't miss the disappointment in Bolt’s eyes too.
“Yeah. You are right. It can be your day off. In that case we will have anything on the menu”. Bolt said in a low voice.
Josh bit his lower lip and turned around to go to the kitchen. He didn't know why but he liked teasing Bolt.
He came back in about fifteen minutes with the waitress in tow. She served them with mouth watering lasagne and pasta.
“Please enjoy yourself with the dish of the evening. And just to say, it’s also cooked by me.” Josh winked at them especially at Bolt and turned around chuckling at his own joke.
“Damn this man.” Bolt murmured to himself, ignoring the way his heart was beating fastly. Yes he was totally smitten by him.
And this was just the beginning. Taking the advantage of his office building near to the restaurant, Josh would often see Bolt either alone or with his friends, and no matter how friendly Josh tried to be with him, he still had his guard on.
He was still not over at his heartbreak and call him pathetic or anything, he still had a place of Marsh in his heart that he wasn't ready to fill up.
—----
Tabby
Chapter 6 Josh locked the restaurant and went outside inhaling the deep scent of an autumn night. The air was crisp yet it wasn’t cold for him to wear a jacket or a sweater, in fact spending all day in the kitchen and closed off restaurant was making him warm and the night air was making him feel fresh. It was an inventory day hence he being late but it was all too familiar area so he wasn’t scared of walking a few feet to the parking area where he had parked his sedan. He had just unlocked his car when he was frozen on his feet as he felt the cold muzzle of a gun at his nape. He felt a shiver passing through his body and it had nothing to do with the cold air. No, he felt the fear creeping in his body. It had never happened with him and no matter how brave he was, a gun is a gun. “Don’t move. Give me everything you have.” He heard a cold voice. The mugger put his hands over the top of his car and started patting his pockets, grabbing his wallet.
Chapter 7 Bolt was helplessly in love with Josh. He stopped himself from falling for him but failed miserably, not when they would cross paths more often. Josh could see Bolt flirting with him. He could read his double meanings whenever he was around. He would never shy to pass comments on him and laugh at Josh blushing at his words. It was all good, but Josh could not open up to him. He was still scared and closed off. He knew he was being unfair to Bolt but in his defense, he had spent years in love with a man and he ended up hurting him so bad that he was scared to fall in love again. Bolt knew it all. He could see Josh smiling at his antics, but he could see his eyes faraway. He would feel Josh holding himself back, blocking all his advancements. He wanted to take Josh out, to tell him how he felt, but he knew it wasn’t the time. He wanted Josh to trust him and tell him all his reservations but he knew he had to give him space. Bolt
Chapter 8 It had been 6 hours of nerve wracking waiting in the waiting room. Those who were injured were advised to go home and rest while few stood on guard, including Martin and Richard as they refused to leave Bolt and Josh. Josh was scared as shit. He had never encountered a situation to see someone being shot and that too critical. As per the description of the hits, Josh was praying in his heart for nothing fatal. He knew the under ribs area was itself a red zone and not to mention the bullet that hit God knows where at the back. The most precise location was between shoulder blades. That could end worse if it hit any vertebrae. He cursed himself in his heart for the umpteenth time but he was helpless. His knee was bouncing restlessly only to be stopped gently by Pete who had just arrived after closing the restaurant. Richard was thankful to him that he brought food for everyone because no matter what, they needed their energy to stay strong for Bolt. Josh stubbornly
Chapter 9 Bolt woke up with a start. He tried to sit up on instinct but someone put a hand on his chest to stop him from moving abruptly. “Relax. Take it easy. You might open your wounds again”. He opened his eyes to see the doctor looking at him with kind eyes. “How are you feeling now?” The doctor asked pulling a torch pen from his pocket. “So much pain”. Bolt croaked. He squinted hi eyes, letting the doctor check. “Well, it's natural, considering the nature of your injuries. You have managed to survive two hit that could have ended your life, or at least paralyzed you for your whole life”. The doctor finished the examination and picked up the chart. “For now we have reduced your pain killers to monitor your condition. We can give you one after every eight hours and continue reducing it until you don't need them. But until then, it's going to hurt really bad”. The doctor explained, making him nod. “Can I see my friends and family?” Bolt asked. His throat felt raw. “Su
Chapter 10 “So he is Josh”. Josh was squirming under the intense gaze of Bolt’s parent. They had arrived not an hour ago and after they had a detailed discussion with the doctor and Bolt, they turned their attention to the beautiful man sitting beside their stupid son, their words. “Yes Mom Dad, he is Josh”. Bolt sighed for the umpteenth time. Josh looked at Bolt looking so frustrated and started giggling. Bolt looked at his and his lips stretched into a smile too. He held Josh’s hand who tried to glare at him but ended up blushing. Bolt’s parents had accepted him the very moment they saw him, and now they fell for him too, looking at the way he was looking at Bolt. They were impressed at his achievements and promised to visit his restaurant once Bolt was discharged from the hospital. “Why do I feel you have started to love him more than me”. Bolt pouted at his parents, showering their love and attention at Josh. “Yes. In fact we are adopting him as our son. You can go
Chapter 11 “I met Marshall or Marsh as I used to call him, when I went to attend a charity ball for an orphanage. And there was that spark that we feel at the first touch. He was passionate about his company, currently the CEO, and he was really ambitious. But besides that, he was a kind hearted person. I had seen him speaking at the charity ball and it wasn't just his words, he practically did it. He made sure to start the contract of the construction of a new wing with all the facilities they needed. I looked at him, and kept on thinking about him even when I went home. I was a BI and I came out in very early age, and that was the reason why my parents cut all their ties with me. They could not live with the idea that their only child, a son, an heir to their inheritance was interested in boys and not women. I had been forced to attend camps and churches because according to my parents, its a contagious disease that I had caught somehow. There was a time when my father’s acq
Chapter 1 Josh was busy in the kitchen making breakfast. He was dressed up in his tee and sweats, with ear plugs on; he was swaying his hips to the song playing in his ears. His below shoulder length hair were tied up in a messy bun on his head and he was unaware of his surroundings until two fingers pulled the hair-tie in his hair and his curls fell down framing his face. “Alexa, turn off the music.” He commanded and pulled off the earplugs before turning to the man standing in front of him. He was all dressed up in his work attire and even if not, he loved to dress up properly. “Morning Marsh, the breakfast is ready.” He smiled looking in to those blue eyes. “Good morning to you too.” He got a reply before his lips were caught in the good morning kiss. It was all consuming as Josh wrapped his arms around his neck and tugged those hairs at the nape. Marshall or Marsh pulled off only when he had his fill. He licked his lips looki
Chapter 2 It was around midnight and Marsh was sitting in the lounge waiting for Josh to come home. His previous anger was replaced with worry as he knew Josh had left the restaurant long ago and his mobile was powered off. He tried once again and once again it was connected to the voice mail. He racked his fingers in his hair, worried about Josh when suddenly he cursed and picked up his keys to rush outside. How could he forget? Thanks to the otherwise vacant roads, he sped up and in no time he reached the other corner of the city and parked in the basement of an apartment complex. Josh had his own penthouse that he bought from his own money so when Marsh suggested to buy a place for both of them to move in together, he didn’t agree to sale it. It was his sanctuary and Marsh totally forgot the place that Josh could stay there too. He was no where dependant on Marsh to spend some time alone if he wanted to. He rode the elevator to the top floor
Chapter 11 “I met Marshall or Marsh as I used to call him, when I went to attend a charity ball for an orphanage. And there was that spark that we feel at the first touch. He was passionate about his company, currently the CEO, and he was really ambitious. But besides that, he was a kind hearted person. I had seen him speaking at the charity ball and it wasn't just his words, he practically did it. He made sure to start the contract of the construction of a new wing with all the facilities they needed. I looked at him, and kept on thinking about him even when I went home. I was a BI and I came out in very early age, and that was the reason why my parents cut all their ties with me. They could not live with the idea that their only child, a son, an heir to their inheritance was interested in boys and not women. I had been forced to attend camps and churches because according to my parents, its a contagious disease that I had caught somehow. There was a time when my father’s acq
Chapter 10 “So he is Josh”. Josh was squirming under the intense gaze of Bolt’s parent. They had arrived not an hour ago and after they had a detailed discussion with the doctor and Bolt, they turned their attention to the beautiful man sitting beside their stupid son, their words. “Yes Mom Dad, he is Josh”. Bolt sighed for the umpteenth time. Josh looked at Bolt looking so frustrated and started giggling. Bolt looked at his and his lips stretched into a smile too. He held Josh’s hand who tried to glare at him but ended up blushing. Bolt’s parents had accepted him the very moment they saw him, and now they fell for him too, looking at the way he was looking at Bolt. They were impressed at his achievements and promised to visit his restaurant once Bolt was discharged from the hospital. “Why do I feel you have started to love him more than me”. Bolt pouted at his parents, showering their love and attention at Josh. “Yes. In fact we are adopting him as our son. You can go
Chapter 9 Bolt woke up with a start. He tried to sit up on instinct but someone put a hand on his chest to stop him from moving abruptly. “Relax. Take it easy. You might open your wounds again”. He opened his eyes to see the doctor looking at him with kind eyes. “How are you feeling now?” The doctor asked pulling a torch pen from his pocket. “So much pain”. Bolt croaked. He squinted hi eyes, letting the doctor check. “Well, it's natural, considering the nature of your injuries. You have managed to survive two hit that could have ended your life, or at least paralyzed you for your whole life”. The doctor finished the examination and picked up the chart. “For now we have reduced your pain killers to monitor your condition. We can give you one after every eight hours and continue reducing it until you don't need them. But until then, it's going to hurt really bad”. The doctor explained, making him nod. “Can I see my friends and family?” Bolt asked. His throat felt raw. “Su
Chapter 8 It had been 6 hours of nerve wracking waiting in the waiting room. Those who were injured were advised to go home and rest while few stood on guard, including Martin and Richard as they refused to leave Bolt and Josh. Josh was scared as shit. He had never encountered a situation to see someone being shot and that too critical. As per the description of the hits, Josh was praying in his heart for nothing fatal. He knew the under ribs area was itself a red zone and not to mention the bullet that hit God knows where at the back. The most precise location was between shoulder blades. That could end worse if it hit any vertebrae. He cursed himself in his heart for the umpteenth time but he was helpless. His knee was bouncing restlessly only to be stopped gently by Pete who had just arrived after closing the restaurant. Richard was thankful to him that he brought food for everyone because no matter what, they needed their energy to stay strong for Bolt. Josh stubbornly
Chapter 7 Bolt was helplessly in love with Josh. He stopped himself from falling for him but failed miserably, not when they would cross paths more often. Josh could see Bolt flirting with him. He could read his double meanings whenever he was around. He would never shy to pass comments on him and laugh at Josh blushing at his words. It was all good, but Josh could not open up to him. He was still scared and closed off. He knew he was being unfair to Bolt but in his defense, he had spent years in love with a man and he ended up hurting him so bad that he was scared to fall in love again. Bolt knew it all. He could see Josh smiling at his antics, but he could see his eyes faraway. He would feel Josh holding himself back, blocking all his advancements. He wanted to take Josh out, to tell him how he felt, but he knew it wasn’t the time. He wanted Josh to trust him and tell him all his reservations but he knew he had to give him space. Bolt
Chapter 6 Josh locked the restaurant and went outside inhaling the deep scent of an autumn night. The air was crisp yet it wasn’t cold for him to wear a jacket or a sweater, in fact spending all day in the kitchen and closed off restaurant was making him warm and the night air was making him feel fresh. It was an inventory day hence he being late but it was all too familiar area so he wasn’t scared of walking a few feet to the parking area where he had parked his sedan. He had just unlocked his car when he was frozen on his feet as he felt the cold muzzle of a gun at his nape. He felt a shiver passing through his body and it had nothing to do with the cold air. No, he felt the fear creeping in his body. It had never happened with him and no matter how brave he was, a gun is a gun. “Don’t move. Give me everything you have.” He heard a cold voice. The mugger put his hands over the top of his car and started patting his pockets, grabbing his wallet.
Chapter 5: Marsh was offended and angry at how Josh behaved with him at the bar. He didn’t wait for Josh to return home and spent his time in his office. Somehow he was waiting for Josh to call him and apologize for his behavior but he didn’t know what Josh was up to. He returned to the apartment two days later only to find it partially empty. And there was a note waiting for him on the table. “I am leaving your apartment.” It was just one line and maybe it was anger, frustration, or finally realizing the fact the Josh had left him for good.----- Josh was sitting in his office when he heard a knock. “Yes”. He called his manager to come inside. “Sir I…” Josh lifted his head and looked at his manager to see him hesitating over something. “What is it Peter? Everything okay?” he was concerned but Peter handed him an envelope and left the office. Josh was frowning over his strange behavior but looked at the envelope he had gi
Chapter 4: Josh was absent minded these days. He would do everything on an auto pilot mode but in reality his mind and body were not cooperating with each other. He couldn’t sleep properly in the sleep because he wasn’t used to sleep alone and it had been over a week since their last argument that he was sleeping alone, and the thing that hurt him most was Marsh not initiating too. May be he had enough of Josh and he was regretting everything. He was busy finishing up a dish when his manager stepped into the kitchen and told him someone had come to see him. He nodded and removed his apron before going out to see who is was. He looked up and was shocked to see Marsh standing in the middle of the busy hall, all smiling, waiting for him with the biggest bouquet of roses. “Ladies and Gentlemen. I hope you are enjoying the evening with the scrumptious food by this amazing person. But I would like to have a few moments please.” Josh was gaping at what
Chapter 3 “Marshall, honey we have something important to talk to you, if we can.” Marsh had just sipped his wine when his father started. “Sure Dad, what is it?” He put the glass back, briefly looking at his mother who was smiling softly while Josh could hear the alarms ringing in his head. He could smell the storm about to hit him. “You know Natasha?” His mother spoke this time. Marsh nodded his head. Natasha was the daughter of one of his parent’s business partners and he had met her a few times in some business gatherings. But what do he has to do with her? “Well, we have arranged a marriage between both of you. I want you to meet her on Tuesday at the restaurant and get to know her.” His mother casually dropped the bomb on their heads while sipping her drink. Josh was frozen at his place for a moment before he stood up. “Excuse me; I think my mobile is ringing.” He said with a smile and went upstairs in his bedroom. Marsh fo